28 DECEMBER 1934, Page 1

NEWS OF THE WEEK

ALL the news from the Saar is Christmas news, which is precisely what everyone would wish. The British correspondents in the territory are so much occu- pied in describing the British private's celebrations and fraternization that we have been told little about the other contingents of the international force. The force itself is not likely to acquire, except in form, the character of a cohesive body, since its various units are stationed at various points in the territory and have little contact with each other. There is every sign so far that precisely the right atmosphere for the 'plebiscite—now little more than a fortnight distant—has been created, though the expiration of the Christmas truce will no doubt produce a final outburst of demonstrations by the rival parties. But the ordinary police, with the knowledge that the troops are available in case of need, should be able to deal with any situation that may arise. It is in the post- plebiscite period, when if the vote goes in Germany's favour there may be general impatience about the actual transfer of the territory, that tempers may be more frayed. But all things considered the situation is far more satisfactory than anyone could have dreamed six weeks ago.